Tig welding help. Dim, then bright

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Used a HF inverter and put a tig torch on it. While playing around no matter what the setting on my helmet is (9 or 13) sometimes the arc is really dim then gets really bright all of a sudden. What causes this?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:cheap/dead auto helmet (behind door no 1)--------------------------------------------------------------www.becmotors.nlyup, I quit welding.. joined welder anonymous
Reply:Attempt number one today.Why the rust color? I seemed to have better luck with the SS rod on mild steel. I'm using tungsten with the red tip and number 6 cup.How much stick out and how much gas should I be using?Why are all the welds flat?Last edited by Gamble; 03-02-2011 at 05:50 PM.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by Donoharmcheap/dead auto helmet (behind door no 1)
Reply:You are trying welding over coated crap steel is what the matter is..Get some nice shiney STEEL and try again.Thank You....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Hmm, maybe I'll grind it. I have some flat stock sitting around, maybe I'll try that too.It's not very bright outside so I put the helmet in the bathroom with incandescent bulbs so we will see if that helps.So for tig welding, do I drag the tip of the cup along the metal?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Some auto helmets don't seem to switch properly when used for tig welding.You might also make sure the sensor on the lens is clean.Shielded gas welding, mig or tig,has no real fluxes to clean the metal.Zinc,rust,paint,moisture or anything except bare metal will screw up the weld.
Reply:What do you recommend for a helmet ?I'm going to give it time to charge and go back at it with a wire brush and grind the tungsten down. How do you know when to grind it again? I asked the guy at the welding store if I can use them right out of the package (flat tip) or if it has to be pointed and he said out of the package is fine.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:If you were getting clouds of smoke off of the metal you were using,it could have messed with the helmet.Give it a little time in the light and try it again.Don't breath the smoke or fumes from galvanized,it will be a memory you will want to forget.
Reply:As mentioned use good clean steel and NOT GALVANIZED anything......replace the batteries if you have any in your hood......(smoke might have played a role) I have Jackson hoods (Next Gen)  but I'm leaning toward a 9100 series Speed Glass...When ever you "DIP" the tungsten in the puddle it's grind it time.....Plain  oxidation will cause the tungsten to be touched up after welding for a while. I like to freshen up my tungsten a lot to keep it working good.......even if you haven't dipped it you can tell by the weld when you freshen up......In my opinion it's a good habit to get into for continued quality welds.....  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:If your hood has a sensitivity setting play with that.Leo
Reply:I have two HF helmets. The first on broke on the head band. So I rigged it and hated how it fit so I bought a second one. Neither of them have given me a problem for TIG welding. I even let my friend who owns a nice Lincoln helmet try it. He said he was thinking of switching to the HF one. His Lincoln helmet you have to push a button and wait for the lens to go dark for a second before you can start welding. This jacked me up a couple times cause my HF one just works right off the bat. No buttons to push. It just works when it's supposed to, and has never not worked once in the three years I have been using them.
Reply:So I grinded  down the tungsten and that helps out a lot. The helmet was charging for 1.5hours and it still didn't help. I'm going to try and borrow someone's helmet, but this is rather annoying.Here is what I just got done. Are the welds supposed to be concave?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by BlueweldersIf you were getting clouds of smoke off of the metal you were using,it could have messed with the helmet.Give it a little time in the light and try it again.Don't breath the smoke or fumes from galvanized,it will be a memory you will want to forget.
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleI almost hate to ask, but what happens and what are the cures? Just in case it does happen. Is this also fume fever?
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleI almost hate to ask, but what happens and what are the cures? Just in case it does happen. Is this also fume fever?
Reply:Geez. I never had a problem with practicing mig on galvanized anythng. That pipe came from autozone or oreilly's in their exhaust section. I guess I will have to find a place that sells non galvanized round pipe for practice. This home depot tubing and such is really expensive.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:You just have to clear the zinc away from near the actual weld.You can wire brush it or use muretic acid to rinse it off.Or set up some sort of ventilation to keep it away from your lungs.I think some exhaust tubing is coated with aluminum.
Reply:What do you guys use for practice?Any advice on my welds? Or the brightness/darkness problem?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I don't tig weld and I have only watched someone do it once about 20 years ago.He held the torch tip about 1/8 inch from the metal,tilted about 10 degrees off of vertical and dabbed the filler from the front.His weld bead was about 3/16 or so wide.If what he was doing was proper ?Not a clue.As to why the metal is slumping, I suppose the metal is getting too hot in too large of an area.
Reply:From the looks of it, you are welding schedule 40 GALVANIZED pipe. The Zinc may be giving you trouble along with not being able to see what you are doing. The pipe may also have contaminants like grease or oil on it. Migging is different as it can tolerate junky metal better than Tig. Tigging requires very clean metal. It is a precision process that requires everything to be just right or you will end up like what you have. Bird poop welds.Get another helmet. Sounds like your helmet is no longer usable. Northern Tool has an excellent helmet for around $50 that I have fallen in love with. I actually like it better than my $250 Miller.Last edited by StevefromOhio; 03-03-2011 at 12:38 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleGeez. I never had a problem with practicing mig on galvanized anythng. That pipe came from autozone or oreilly's in their exhaust section. I guess I will have to find a place that sells non galvanized round pipe for practice. This home depot tubing and such is really expensive.
Reply:Originally Posted by StevefromOhioFrom the looks of it, you are welding schedule 40 GALVANIZED pipe. The Zinc may be giving you trouble along with not being able to see what you are doing. The pipe may also have contaminants like grease or oil on it. Migging is different as it can tolerate junky metal better than Tig. Tigging requires very clean metal. It is a precision process that requires everything to be just right or you will end up like what you have. Bird poop welds.Get another helmet. Sounds like your helmet is no longer usable. Northern Tool has an excellent helmet for around $50 that I have fallen in love with. I actually like it better than my $250 Miller.
Reply:Wire brush will not take off the zinc from galvanizing.  Use a hard disc or flap wheel.  You will see a difference.  I *think* you have galvanized tubing.  It looks like it to me, and I know that my local auto parts store sells galv and alum as the only two options.Second,  the dim and bright is a known issue with the HF 80A inverter.  I believe the previous thread determined it had something to do with the hot start circuit.
Reply:So is there anyway around that?Is hot start the same as scratch start? Anyway to convert that to work like a normal welder?This guy is awesome with this welder:[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_hP8G1j5LU[/ame]Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal DealerThat may not be your hood.  The eighty amp HF inverter has the hot start and anti stick functions that will mess around with the arc in tig and cause problems until you are used to it.  BTW  i had one of those 50.00 HF hoods and mine would un-dim randomly with low amperage tig.  You need four arc sensors instead of two.
Reply:How do you mean get used to it? Get used to getting blinded? lolAnyway to fix it?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleHow do you mean get used to it? Get used to getting blinded? lolAnyway to fix it?
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleHmm, maybe I'll grind it. I have some flat stock sitting around, maybe I'll try that too.It's not very bright outside so I put the helmet in the bathroom with incandescent bulbs so we will see if that helps.So for tig welding, do I drag the tip of the cup along the metal?
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleHow do you mean get used to it? Get used to getting blinded? lolAnyway to fix it?
Reply:Can you point me in the direction of a good 4 sensor helmet please?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleCan you point me in the direction of a good 4 sensor helmet please?
Reply:Just another tip..That photo of your welding table with all that stuff laying around in a pileis going to cost you one day.One of those power cords to one of those tools or the metal case of the power tool would make an excellent alternative ground!Seen it happen. Zap power tool ruined. Sometimes from a lot of metal dust all over the table and a power tool laying in the metal dust.Do you smell something electrical burning? LOLAWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Originally Posted by DiabolicZIt's never happened to me because I know better but... I have heard that it feels like a really bad case of the flu and your body aches really bad. My buddy did this even though he knew better. Came to work the next day and had to go home cause he felt terrible. I have HEARD that you can drink milk to get rid of the effects. But that sounds like the most ridiculous thing in the world to me. I don't aim to find out if it is true or not.
Reply:Originally Posted by Donald BranscomRight...that metal is crap!Get some 1/8 inch thick small steel plates and clean the edges (sander) then tack weld at each end.Bevel the mating edges just a little.that helps you see that shinney clean groove. You need to be welding a GROOVE not just on top of a flat plate.DO NOT DRAG the ceramic cup! Learn to do it the proper way. Just hold the torch just above the surface with the tungsten about 1/8 inch from the surface. The tungsten should stick out of the ceramic cup about 1/32 of an inch OR 1/2 the width of the cup opening.BTW (by the way)...That rust color is usually from too high of argon pressure. Turn down to about 12-15 lbs.
Reply:12-15cfm, the number on the inside, Got it. How do you know what to set it at for mig/tig etc or when you need more or less?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:That is not galvanized exhaust as stated,it is aluminized as someone has already pointed out. But for your info remove the coating as tig welding has to be very clean to get arc and puddle control.Learn to get a puddle without filler rod and watch what is going on.Tig welding requires practice practice.Not hard to master just some seat time to capture some fundamentals.You will improve as you move along if you choose to take on the challenge.Do yourself a favor & Google about welding in the presence of galvanizing no sense us preaching about it read it yourself and I think you will change your practices.Hope this helps you along the welding curve as there will be lots more to learn.Vinnie
Reply:So what does everyone practice on? Anything at autozone or home depot or lowes?Seems like every arc I strike looks different, I am going to borrow a helmet tomorrow.This is where I'm at so far. I stink.What causes turds and are my welds supposed to be flat? I'm used to seeing my mid welds that have height to them.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Played with the stickout, and put it to 1/8th "ish" and turned up the gas to 16 from 12. What a big difference.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Gamble, Get yourself a regular flip helmet with 11 shade glass. I learned a long time ago that my auto darkening helmet is affected by the HF and as I was tig welding it would slowly get bright on me and then I had to stop. Tried many other brands and had the same issue. That was years ago and I just got a flip one and never looked back. I do use my auto helmet for MIG welding though. Also for you requesting advice on tig welding you need to search SundownIII posts. He has great advice. I have learned a lot of tips just by reading and re-reading some of them.He really explains a lot of detail. More than I could write.T.J.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:I would never buy metal from lowes or home depot , if you go to a metal supplier it is way cheaper.(but it still costs $) I recently cut up an old bunkbed that was made out of steel tubing, stripped all the paint with a flap disk and cut it into hundreds of little pieces to practice on ..  If you Go to a fabrication place, if it is someplace that has a shear you can get nice cutoff pieces with straight edges that will be good for practicing joints..They like to scrap it for money, but with some smooth talk you can hopefully get some good material to practice on..
Reply:Guys, I just realized I'm practicing on SS and not back purging. What is the down side to this?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Wtf go to welding school 42 posts later and its stainless.Vinnie
Reply:Not stainless, it's aluminized exhaust tubing, I'm using some now to build a custom chopper exhaust. Just sand off the coating and it will weld just fine. Home depot and sears sell flatstock you can practice on, 1/8" is good and easy to cut up. If you have a scrapyard nearby it will be much cheaper but $20 at Home Depot will get you plenty of flat stock.
Reply:I was welding on stainless last night. I haven't touched the exhaust tubing lately.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Not trying to be funny, but learning to TIG is expensive enough, why are you practising on Stainless? Would be better/cheaper to get yourself some flat pieces of mild about 1/8" thick , if you're planning on welding stainless steel in the future, then use 309 wire to practise with untill you improve. Also, in the video the guy's leaning his torch back too far (hence the >>>>>>>>> shaped beads), better to stick your tungsten out much less and have the torch angle more vertical, leaning only slighty back.
Reply:I appreciate it, thank you.I'm using metal that I have laying around. I have some mild and some stainless. I want to make a vband downpipe for my car out of stainless and have all the parts so I would like to get good at that so I can do my project. What shade number do most of you guys use and what cup? Seems as if it's hard to see the puddle, when compared to my mig.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer